Over the past two seasons, injuries have taken their toll on running back Brian Westbrook, forcing him to miss a significant amount of time last season, and enough of the year before to keep him from hitting the all important 1,000 yards on the season.

San Francisco’s front office likely weighed all of that in their mind and then some throughout the off-season, but after having backup rusher Glen Coffee leave the team because of personal issues last week, the 49ers made their move.

All of Westbrook’s issues will likely be forgotten if he can step into the huddle in San Francisco, stay healthy, and produce when called upon this season, but given his history, that’s a big if.

Having a standout running back playing in front of him in the form of Frank Gore will definitely help in keeping Westbrook intact throughout the entire year, and while his health isn’t exactly perfect right now, Westbrook should be ready to go by the start of the season.

For the 49ers, having Westbrook’s veteran presence on the field and in the locker room is more than enough to warrant bringing him into the fold at this point, and even if he’s unable to contribute all that much early on in the year, Westbrook’s playoff experience should prove to be invaluable to a young club in need of it.

Only time will tell just how well Westbrook performs this season, but for now, signs are good that he’ll fit in nicely with his new club, and make a positive impact on the 49ers hopes for a run through their division and into the post-season.

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